What are your whereabouts? , Can I ask this ? I want to say something instead Where are you ? In what country ? A person who travels a lot Could I use whereabouts ? Thank you (2024)

Answers · 5

2

This sentence database has about 2,500 sentences including the word "whereabouts" from a mixture of US, UK and other online sources. http://fraze.it/n_search.jsp?q=whereabouts&l=0 When it is used as a noun, think of it as a synonym of "location". When it is used as a question word, think of it as "approximately where".

2

'Whereabouts do you come from?' is still said occasionally and will be understood.But as Axel mentioned above, you are much more likely to hear, 'Where are you from?' What country do you live in?', 'Where have you traveled?' 'What countries have you visited?'

1

I would strongly disagree with one of the posters who says it is uncommon. I use it all the time.Where are you is fine? What is your location. there are many. It will often depend on the exact context.

July 10, 2017

1

1

I use whereabouts all the time.It is not obsolete in England.We would ask a question like this;Whereabouts in England are you based? etcHope this helps :)

July 9, 2017

I am an enthusiast and expert in the field of linguistics and language usage, particularly with a focus on the diverse ways in which language evolves and is employed across different regions and cultures. My knowledge extends to the nuances of language usage, idiomatic expressions, and the cultural context that shapes linguistic choices. As someone deeply immersed in the study of language, I consistently explore various sources to stay abreast of the latest developments and changes in language patterns.

Now, delving into the topic at hand, the provided text revolves around the usage of the word "whereabouts" in the English language. This term, when employed as a noun, essentially functions as a synonym for "location." However, when used as a question word, it takes on the meaning of "approximately where."

The text exemplifies the variations in the usage of "whereabouts" across different English-speaking regions, such as the United States and the United Kingdom. It also highlights the subtle distinctions in questioning about someone's origin or location. While "Where are you from?" is a more commonly used and easily understood inquiry, "Whereabouts do you come from?" is mentioned as still being used occasionally and comprehensible. The article suggests that the latter phrase might be less common but is not entirely obsolete.

Furthermore, the discussion in the text reveals differing opinions on the prevalence of using "whereabouts." Some contributors express that it is a commonly used term in their linguistic practices, arguing against the notion that it is uncommon or obsolete. The examples provided in the text showcase the versatility of the term, with questions like "Whereabouts in England are you based?" demonstrating its continued relevance, at least in certain linguistic contexts, particularly in England.

In essence, the article provides insights into the multifaceted nature of language usage, demonstrating how certain words like "whereabouts" can persist in specific linguistic communities and contexts despite evolving language trends. The evidence presented in the text, including real-life examples and opinions, underscores the dynamic nature of language and the varied ways in which individuals utilize it in their everyday communication.

What are your whereabouts? , Can I ask this ?
I want to say something instead 

Where are you ? In what country ? A person who travels  a lot
Could I use whereabouts ?

Thank you (2024)

FAQs

How do you ask about whereabouts? ›

You use whereabouts, usually in questions, when you are asking or talking about where something or someone is exactly. Whereabouts are you living? 'I actually live near Chester. '—'Whereabouts?'

Where do people say whereabouts? ›

"Whereabouts" occurs throughout the English-speaking world as an adverb and a noun. It may seem like a regionalism to you since you may have learnt it first only as a noun.

What is the difference between whereabouts and whereabout? ›

Hi Ann, "Whereabout" is an adverb. It is considered obsolete, and is almost never used in modern English. Definition: About which; concerning which. Example: "I don't know the topic whereabout they were discussing." "Whereabouts" can be used as an adverb or a noun.

How do you use whereabouts in a question? ›

Whereabouts may function as an adverb (“Whereabouts is it?”), a conjunction (“I know whereabouts he lives”), or a noun (“Her whereabouts were unknown”). The noun form may provoke confusion because it feels singular but looks plural; should one write “her whereabouts were” or "her whereabouts was”?

What should you ask instead of where are you from? ›

If you really want to know “where I am from,” why don't you try asking these more specific questions instead: Where were you born. Where did you grow up. What culture do you identify with.

What does it mean when someone asks whereabouts? ›

You use whereabouts in questions when you are asking precisely where something is. "Whereabouts in France?"—"Normandy," I said. Whereabouts are you living? More Synonyms of whereabouts.

Why do Americans say where you at? ›

The phrase "Where you at?" is american slang for "Where are you." The reason why we use "at" is because in formal English, at describes a location like "I am at the mall." So "Where you at" means where is your location, it is just informal slang.

Is it correct to say whereabouts are you? ›

Is it not easier to say “where are you” than “whereabouts are you”? Yes, much easier, and what's more, it's correct. Whereabouts is a noun, not an adverb. You do hear it used as an adverb, but it is a slang misuse of the word.

Can you use whereabouts in a sentence? ›

Their whereabouts were unknown before the agency tried to find them. Wives and children do not know the whereabouts of their husbands and fathers. The police attempted to reassure the parents, despite the fact that they did not know his whereabouts.

What is an example of whereabouts? ›

The whereabouts of other members of the group were unknown. There were no reports on the whereabouts of the others on the boat. There has been no further clue to his whereabouts since. He recalled her frequently asking questions about his whereabouts and holiday plans.

What is a word for location? ›

Definition for location. noun as in place of residence or activity. Synonyms Antonyms. Strongest matches. area, district, locale, neighborhood, part, point, position, region, scene, section, site, situation, spot, station, venue, whereabouts.

Is whereabouts all one word? ›

The final -s in whereabouts (and thereabouts) may look like a plural ending but it isn't one. The noun is derived from the adverb whereabouts, and the -s is actually an adverbial suffix. That's right: there's a suffix that looks just like the thing that makes a word plural but that actually marks it as an adverb.

What does whereabouts mean in the UK? ›

the place where someone or something is: His whereabouts are unknown. (Definition of whereabouts from the Cambridge Learner's Dictionary © Cambridge University Press)

What is an example of whereabout? ›

The whereabouts of the principal concerned is unknown, and has been unknown since 1967. The whereabouts of the accused are unknown; the police are still continuing their inquiry. The solicitor then said that she must have the address or strong clues to his whereabouts before a provisional order could be made.

What is the origin of the word whereabouts? ›

whereabouts (adv.) "in what place," early 15c., from whereabout + adverbial genitive -s. The noun, "place where someone or something is," is recorded from 1795. Whereabout in this sense is from c. 1600.

Is whereabouts formal or informal? ›

The word whereabouts is a colloquialism (meaning vernacular, informal/slang speech). The word location is a more proper/formal term.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Allyn Kozey

Last Updated:

Views: 5516

Rating: 4.2 / 5 (43 voted)

Reviews: 82% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Allyn Kozey

Birthday: 1993-12-21

Address: Suite 454 40343 Larson Union, Port Melia, TX 16164

Phone: +2456904400762

Job: Investor Administrator

Hobby: Sketching, Puzzles, Pet, Mountaineering, Skydiving, Dowsing, Sports

Introduction: My name is Allyn Kozey, I am a outstanding, colorful, adventurous, encouraging, zealous, tender, helpful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.